James L. Stapp, 84

HOLDERNESS — James Lee “Jim” Stapp, 84, of Holderness, passed away on Aug. 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born May 15, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, Jim grew up in Missouri, and Atchison County, Kansas — places that nurtured his lifelong love of open spaces and prairie landscapes.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Richard G. Stapp Sr. and Iona Lucy Arnold Stapp, and his brother, Richard “Bud” Stapp.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Waltman of New Hampshire; his son Steven Stapp and wife Jen of Ohio; his daughters Callie J. Stapp of Washington, D.C., and YaXi Stapp and fiancé Andrew Kormos of New Hampshire. He also leaves his brothers, John Stapp of Emporia, Kansas, Bill Stapp and wife Mavis of Omaha, Nebraska, and Harold Stapp and wife Becky of Emporia, Kansas; his sister Diana Hundley and husband Allan of Atchison, Kansas; sister-in-law Mary Beth Stapp of Emporia, Kansas; grandchildren Kyle Stapp, Jake Jackson, Creed McDonald and Andrew Green; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was immensely proud of his three children. He delighted in teaching them practical skills — most recently showing his youngest daughter, YaXi, how to change her car’s oil and admiring her work as a physical therapist. He loved that Callie built a career in the museum field and shared his appreciation for antiques and history. And he cherished talking about farming and John Deere tractors with Steven, especially after he and Jen bought their farm in Ohio.

A traveler at heart, Jim spent his life wanting to see what was “over the next hill,” a curiosity his mother recognized early on. That spirit carried him through countless adventures. With his wife, Cindy, he explored the country on 14 memorable trips — first by motorcycle, then by car, by boat, and finally by RV. He loved visits to Sturgis, national parks, and the many family and friends they met along the way.

For 42 years, Jim served school districts in Iowa, Washington, and New Hampshire, as a dedicated school psychologist. A charter member of the National Association of School Psychologists, he devoted his career to supporting children and families with guidance and compassion.

Though he worked in schools, Jim’s heart never left the farm. A farmer’s son, he found joy in gardening and in canning tomatoes with Cindy each fall. He loved working outdoors and took great pride in maintaining and using his John Deere.

Jim loved to dance, ride his bike, play cribbage, and relax with a Louis L’Amour novel. He stayed connected with lifelong friends through monthly Zoom calls — a testament to his loyalty and warmth.

Jim lived with curiosity, generosity, and a steadfast devotion to the people he loved. His presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jim’s memory to the Pemi Youth Center in Plymouth, the World Central Kitchen, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Holderness Community Church, followed by a burial at the Trinity Churchyard Cemetery.

Dupuis Funeral Home, in Ashland, is handling the arrangements. For more information, visit Dupuisfuneralhome.com.